David Cameron began patching up his relationship with Jean-Claude Juncker last
night, wishing him well in his appointment as it emerged that George
Osborne, the chancellor, held secret discussions in Berlin in a last-ditch
attempt to block him.

The prime minister used an early evening telephone call to emphasise the need
for reform in Europe by the new Commission president designate.

Afterwards, No 10 said that Mr Cameron congratulated Mr Juncker on “running a
successful campaign and securing the council nomination” despite his
opposition.

They discussed how they would work together to make the EU more competitive
and more flexible. The